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BAE Systems is poised to confirm Charles Woodburn as its new chief executive in a widely anticipated move that marks a generational shift at the defence giant.

Mr Woodburn, 45, who joined BAE Systems last year as its chief operating officer, has long been viewed as the heir apparent to Mr King, who has led the company since 2008.

Mr Woodburn, previously worked at oil and gas services group Expro. Before that, he spent 15 years at Schlumberger, the world’s largest oil service group, overseeing major projects in the US and Australia.

Charles Woodburn had two decades experience in the oil services industry before joining BAE Systems last yearCredit:
Bloomberg

Sky News reported that an announcement could be made as early as next week, alongside the company’s annual results on February 23, though it said Mr Woodburn was unlikely...